Back to Mass MN!

As Catholics, in the absence of communion with each other and Holy Communion, we've had a chance to reflect upon the joy that comes from fellowship, and the life that comes from the Eucharist. As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, we welcome you back to Nativity of Mary to experience that joy and life for we are Created for Communion.

As the pandemic subsides, the bishops of Minnesota will reinstate the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation beginning the weekend of July 3-4, 2021. The return of our faith family to Mass is a joyous occasion! Although the general dispensation will no longer be available, the Church has always recognized that certain circumstances can excuse a person from the requirement to observe the obligation. Learn more at backtomassmn.org.

Letter from Archbishop Hebda                   Letter from the Minnesota Bishops

Created for Communion

With the COVID-19 pandemic subsiding, we can safely return to the Communion for which we were created. That is, we are created for communion with each other, and we are created for Holy Communion, “the source and summit of the Christian Life.” (CCC 1324)

We are created for fellowship. Just as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have a living union, so are we created to reflect their union in our relationships with others. It is through our relational nature that we recognize our vocations and grow in love and holiness.

We are created for the Eucharist. During the holy sacrifice of the Mass, Jesus Christ becomes truly present in the Eucharist. The Catechism tells us “The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus.” (CCC 1391) How beautiful that Jesus has given us a way to be intimate with Him.

“For where two or more are gathered...”

Jesus tells us, “there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) Certainly, we can pray anywhere; the Lord invites us to relationship with Him. As such we can hear his voice and speak to him anywhere. There is something extra special about coming together in worship on the sabbath in the sanctuary. St. John Chrysostom said, “You cannot pray at home as at church, where there is a great multitude, where exclamations are cried out to God as from one great heart, and where there is something more: the union of minds, the accord of souls, the bond of charity, the prayers of the priests.” (CCC 2179)

With the COVID-19 pandemic subsiding, it is time to gather again to pray, and lift our hearts in praise to God. We joyfully await the reunion of our parish family at Nativity of Mary!